Competition Policy in the EU
Latest news on competition policy in the European Union.
Tinder pledge on clearer pricing brings end to EU probe
U.S. online dating app Tinder committed Thursday to informing its customers that discounts they propose for their premium services are personalised by automated means, as required to do under EU law.
Brussels hits Apple with EUR 1.8 bn fine over music streaming
The European Commission fined Apple over EUR 1.8 billion Monday for abusing its dominant position on the market for distribution of music streaming apps through its App Store.
TikTok under EU investigation over protection of minors
The European Commission opened formal proceedings Monday to assess whether TikTok may have breached Internet rules over protection of minors and advertising transparency.
EU raids tyre firms suspected of price fixing
The EU Commission carried out unannounced raids Wednesday at the premises of several European tyre makers suspected ot violating EU antitrust rules that prohibit cartels and restrictive business practices.
EU opens probe into disinformation, illegal content on X
The Commission opened an in-depth investigation Monday into whether X, formerly Twitter, has breached legal obligations under the EU's Digital Services Act on illegal content and disinformation.
Commission sends objections to alleged battery makers' cartel
The Commission accused five starter batteries manufacturers Thursday of breaching EU antitrust rules by colluding to increase the prices of automotive starter batteries sold to car producers.
Brussels send Amazon concerns over iRobot acquisition
The EU Commission informed US tech giant Amazon Tuesday of its preliminary view that its proposed acquisition of iRobot may restrict competition in the market for robot vacuum cleaners ('RVCs').
Brussels raids online food delivery companies
The EU Commission carried out unannounced inspections Tuesday at the premises of companies involved in the online ordering and delivery of food, groceries and other goods in two Member States.
Brussels fines pharma companies EUR 13.4m in antitrust cartel settlement
The EU fined Alkaloids of Australia, Alkaloids Corporation, Boehringer, Linnea and Transo-Pharm a total of EUR13.4 million Thursday for taking part in a cartel concerning a key pharmaceutical ingredient.
Brussels ends antitrust block exemption for liner shipping
The Commission decided Tuesday not to extend the legal framework which exempts liner shipping consortia from EU antitrust rules, judging it no longer promotes competition in the shipping sector.
Consortia Block Exemption Regulation - guide
The European Commission decided on 10 October not to extend the EU legal framework which exempts liner shipping consortia from EU antitrust rules (Consortia Block Exemption Regulation or 'CBER').
EU launches probe into subsidised electric cars from China
As cheap, subsidised imports of Chinese electric cars surge into Europe, the EU Commission formally launched Wednesday an anti-subsidy investigation into imports of electric vehicles from China.
September Infringements package: key decisions
In its regular package of infringement decisions, the European Commission pursues legal action against EU Member States for failing to comply with their obligations under EU law. These decisions, covering various sectors and EU policy areas, aim to ensure the proper application of EU law for the benefit of citizens and businesses.
EU re-imposes Intel fine for anti-competitive practices in chips
The European Commission re-imposed a fine of EUR 376.36 million on American tech giant Intel Friday for a previously established abuse of dominant position in the market for x86 computer chips.
EU Commission re-imposes EUR 376.36m fine on Intel for anticompetitive practices in the market for computer chips - guide
The European Commission re-imposed on 22 September a fine of around EUR 376.36 million on Intel for a previously established abuse of dominant position in the market for computer chips called x86 central processing units ('CPUs').
EU package to cut red tape for merging businesses enters into force
A package to simplify procedures for reviewing concentrations under the EU Merger Regulation entered into force Friday, benefiting businesses and advisers on preparatory work and related costs.
Pierre Cardin, Ahlers may have breached EU antitrust laws
Pierre Cardin and licensee Ahlers may have breached EU antitrust rules by restricting cross-border sales of Pierre Cardin-licensed clothing, the EU said Monday in a statement of objections.
Brussels opens antitrust probe into Microsoft Teams and Office bundling
The Commission opened a formal investigation Thursday into whether Microsoft breached EU competition rules by bundling its Teams collaboration product to business suites Office 365 and Microsoft 365.
Brussels opens probe into Amazon's iRobot buy
The EU Commission opened an investigation Friday to assess, under the EU Merger Regulation, whether the proposed acquisition of iRobot by Amazon will restrict competition in robot vacuum cleaners.
Google in EU dock over abusive online ads practices
The EU Commission informed Google Wednesday of its preliminary view that the company breached EU antitrust rules by distorting competition in the advertising technology industry (‘adtech').